Short sales & Pre-Foreclosure
Short sales and pre-foreclosure help in Illinois
If you're behind on payments or owe more than your home is worth, selling before a foreclosure is completed can protect your credit and any equity you have. I help homeowners understand their options and handle the lender approval process for short sales.
- Daniel EllingtonLicensed Illinois Real Estate Broker
- Infiniti PropertiesBrokerage since 1991, Homewood office
- IL License #475211812Chicagoland and throughout Illinois
Who this is for
Homeowners behind on payments
Owners who've received notices or fallen behind.
Underwater homeowners
Owners who owe more than the home will sell for.
Owners facing life changes
Job loss, divorce, relocation, or medical costs.
How it works
- Review your situation Loan balance, payments owed, value, and timeline.
- Explore all options Sale, short sale, loan modification, or other relief.
- List and get an offer Price realistically and secure a buyer.
- Lender approval and close Submit the short sale package and close.
What I do for you
- Honest assessment of what your home will sell for
- Experience assembling short sale packages for lenders
- Persistence with lender negotiators
- Coordination with your attorney and HUD-approved counselors
- Discreet, judgment-free service
Act early
Illinois uses a court-based foreclosure process, which gives homeowners time to explore options, but that time goes quickly. Contacting your lender early and speaking with a HUD-approved housing counselor and a real estate attorney can open more options.
In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept less than the full balance. Ask your attorney whether the lender will waive the remaining balance, and talk to a tax advisor about whether any forgiven debt could be taxable.
Common questions
What is a short sale?
A sale where your lender agrees to accept less than the full mortgage balance. The lender must approve the buyer and the price.
Can I sell if I'm behind on payments?
Often, yes. If you have equity, a regular sale may pay off the loan and arrears. If not, a short sale may be possible.
How long does a short sale take?
Lender approval often takes several weeks to a few months. Starting early gives you the best chance.
Will a short sale hurt my credit?
It affects your credit, but usually less than a completed foreclosure. Ask a credit or housing counselor about your situation.
Do I owe anything after a short sale?
It depends on the lender's approval terms. Some lenders waive the remaining balance and some don't. Have your attorney review the approval letter.
This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Consult a real estate attorney, CPA, or lender about your situation.
Other seller guides
Inherited homes
Selling as-is
Selling with tenants
Downsizing
Selling a condo
All seller services
Let's talk privately about your options
Call or text Daniel directly, or send a message. Most inquiries get a same-day response.
Brokerage 708-206-3000 | IL License #475211812
Contact form
Your Privacy Matters
I agree to be contacted by SGM Media DBA Ellington Elite Realty via call, email, and text for real estate services. To opt out, you can reply 'stop' at any time or reply 'help' for assistance. You can also click the unsubscribe link in the emails. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Dan was an excellent representative for us and I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again
Daniel has been amazing for me as an out of state investors. Very response, pretty decent comps. He's gone above and beyond for me.
Daniel was absolutely phenomenal during our house hunt and closing. Any time an issue came up, Daniel took it in stride and helped everybody involved to have a smooth process. He is wildly friendly and knowledgeable, and was invaluable to us as First Time Homebuyers; he kept us informed and up to date the second anything changed. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Daniel again for my next house, and the next ones after that.